[Governance] UNSG Roadmap on digital cooperation: a brief status-check

parminder parminder at itforchange.net
Tue May 11 05:52:59 EDT 2021


Some passing thought:

The world is amidst a pandemic with global civil society fighting to
free medical technologies from monopolistic profiteers . A article
describes the US support for TRPS intellectual property waiver thus:

    The U.S. government’s announcement Wednesday that it will enter
    negotiations to waive World Trade Organization (WTO) intellectual
    property rules is a victory for democratizing technology, for
    rebalancing power toward governments and away from corporations, and
    for the power of countries working /together /to fight the global
    pandemic. This may also be the most significant departure from the
    U.S. government’s longstanding commitment to global pharmaceutical
    monopolies since that regime was first introduced via NAFTA
    negotiations 30 years ago.

    https://democracyjournal.org/arguments/first-the-waiver-next-lets-vaccinate-the-world/

    ENDS

But if the groups like the big supporters of new MS digital coop policy
body would have their way, we should have Pfizers, and Johnson and
Johnsons, and the such, sitting at the apex global policy systems
determining how our covid response should be market-based and we should
not make such foolish demands like asking for societal needs to trump
profit, and regulators weighing on production and distribution issues ...

Fortunately, 'they' could not succeed in the health sector, but in the
digital sector it seems they are close to succeeding, with liberal help
from civil society quarters. But remember, Apples and Googles of today
would be some of the biggest health companies of tomorrow.

BTW, our great Bill Gates --  the same one who was asked to co-head the
Digi Cooperation panel but passed it on to his wife --  stoutly holds
firm that TRIP intellectual property waiver for covid is not at all
needed. This, even as the biggest political force defending pharma
monopolies, the US government, later supported the waiver, leaving that
self professed czar of global public health blushing, and subject to
much global reprobation. If likes of Bill Gates give such advice in an
area which he chose voluntarily to do his philanthropy in, what kind of
advice he, and his ilk, would give in an area where Gates earned all his
fortune, and still earns it!

But both the irony and profanity of rooting for such global policy
systems as the proposed MS Digi Coop body so completely misses the civil
society here! One wonders why exactly, what is it that one is missing?

Anyway, do what you would. But know that the world is watching, will ask
for accountabilities at some time. Even CS has to be accountable.

BTW, if you all are so righteous about what you are up to, why not open
up an interaction with social movements and big civil society groups in
all different areas. After all, digital being a cross-cutting horizontal
area, the civil society in this area should have close connections with
groups in other areas and be serving their interests, as all sectors get
digitalisation. Or do people disagree with this proposition?

My call to open a dialogue with other global CS groups in different
sectors, and justify your stances, is a serious one. Any takers?

best, parminder


On 10/05/21 10:32 pm, Sheetal Kumar via Governance wrote:
> Dear all,
>
> Thanks to those who joined the call last week!
>
> Please find below the notes for your reference. Don't hesitate to
> reach out if you have any questions,
>
> Best
> Sheetal.
>
>
>     UNSG Roadmap on digital cooperation: a brief status-check call,
>
> /Tuesday 04 May/
>
> /Present: Raquel, Amrita, Nnenna, Bruna, Judith, Sheetal, Jovan/
>
> Sheetal explained that the reason for the call was to provide an
> overview of the UNSG's efforts so far w/r/t Digital Cooperation, from
> the High Level Panel to the Roadmap.
>
>  *
>
>     High-level expert panel was appointed in 2018
>
>  *
>
>     We had a meeting at the global IGF in Paris in 2018 and decided to
>     submit an input 
>
>  *
>
>     The input focused on the values and principles we recommended the
>     report emphasise, as well as existing efforts at the UN
>     level/elsewhere
>
>  *
>
>     The HLP report was released in 2019 at RightsCon Tunis 
>
>  *
>
>     UNSG's office launched roundtables
>
>  *
>
>     A number of civil society groups were invited to join roundtables
>     as participants/champions
>
>  *
>
>     Tech Envoy
>
>      o
>
>         Nnenna/Web Foundation has been spearheading a group which has
>         sent a position paper on the appointment of the Tech Envoy (c
>         99 groups)
>
>  *
>
>     Roadmap includes various suggestions which roundtables have taken
>     up, e.g
>
>      o
>
>         Reform to IGF 
>
>          +
>
>             We have supported the relevant IGF’s WG’s output on this
>
>          +
>
>             A number of groups/IGC members have inputted into a
>             consultation that the IGF hosted and which closed last month 
>
>      o
>
>         Due diligence guidance 
>
>          +
>
>             A number of groups, coordinated by Access Now, sent an input 
>
>      o
>
>         Trust and security statement 
>
>      o
>
>         Digital inclusion metrics 
>
>      o
>
>         Appointment of Tech Envoy 
>
>          +
>
>             We have sent a position paper and followed up 
>
>           + The Tech Envoy is currently on leave pending an
>             investigation into sexual harassment claims
>           + A few of the NGOs part of the aforementioned coalition had
>             a meeting with the Tech Envoy Office a couple of months
>             ago, to introduce ourselves and learn more about the
>             priorities of the Office. The Office wants to prioritise
>             the implementation of the Roadmap in an inclusive way.
>
>
> We then discussed the IGF+ model, Jovan made the following points:
>
>   * IGF+ model: was an ‘obvious’ one/ IGF mandate in Tunis Agenda /
>     tested model in practice / rare spaces where civil society has
>     reasonable ‘footprint’ compared to other spaces where governments
>     and businesses have much more influence.
>   * IGF needs to evolve - otherwise it will slide slowly into
>     irrelevance. In 2006 IGF was almost only space for digital
>     debates. Today, there are tens of spaces/places where
>     digital/cyber/tech policy issues are addressed. Many of these
>     spaces are not open or fully transparent.
>   * IGF irrelevance would be the biggest loss for civil society; some
>     governments unease with IGF; some business in ‘wait and see mode’.
>     in 2005 IGF was Irrelevance - there are a growing number of spaces
>     and places where digital issues are discussed;
>   * On the leadership/high-level track; it is clear that the IGF does
>     not have ‘buy-in’ among leaders in governments, business and civil
>     society. Many of them are not aware of the existence of the IGF
>     (an exception is a limited segment of the tech community and civil
>     society - ‘usual IGF suspects’). If the leadership gap exists, the
>     second question is how to fill this gap. It is the background to
>     the current discussion at the IGF where we may (dis) agree about
>     details and approaches.
>   * During pandemics  governments and the tech sector gained power and
>     relevance comparing to civil society. IGF Plus can help ‘check’
>     the growing power of governments and tech business. If it is done
>     in transparent and inclusive ways, it could be a great
>     contribution to global governance in general.
>   * The ultimate question: do we need prominent and solid IGF. If it
>     is the case changed are needed (including leadership ‘buy in’).
>     With status quo IGF will slide into irrelevance rather soon given
>     the growing need for digital governance solutions.  
>   * Clarity of priority and next steps is needed. It is our
>     responsibility not only for the future of IGF but also to global
>     public which in search for digital governance solutions.
>
> We agreed we need civil society people who want an improved IGF to
> speak more loudly - we need to amplify those voices.
>
>  
>
> Office of the Tech Envoy:
>
>   * Still deliberating on various options for IGF reformbased on
>     feedback received.
>   * UN agencies are expected to make the decision- maybe by June?
>
> _*Next steps: *_
>
> /Start drafting support letter:/
>
>  *
>
>     See the points of groups (e.g JustNet) who have voiced concern and
>     make sure we’re responding to them/reach out
>
>  *
>
>     Upcoming event where we can voice support for IGF reform:
>     Stockholm Internet Forum session on 11th
>
>
> /Other processes:/
>
> Judith will send information about Open Consultation about the next
> CWG at the ITU
>
>
> /IGF session proposal: /
>
> Bruna and Sheetal to work on a sessionthat discusses the IGF's place
> in the IG ecosystem/addresses how the ecosystem has developed
>
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, 4 May 2021 at 10:20, Sheetal Kumar <sheetal at gp-digital.org
> <mailto:sheetal at gp-digital.org>> wrote:
>
>     Dear all,
>
>     This is just a gentle reminder that our status-check is happening
>     later today, at _*12 PM UTC.*_
>     _*
>     *_
>     Please find the joining details below.
>
>     Best
>     Sheetal.
>
>     Tuesday, 4 May 2021
>     13:00  |  (UTC+01:00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London  |  1 hr
>
>      
>
>     Join meeting
>     <https://globalpartnersdigital-aae.my.webex.com/globalpartnersdigital-aae.my/j.php?MTID=m83d95e9858c11c41a6b40091b8af3683>
>
>
>      
>     *More ways to join:*
>      
>     *Join from the meeting link*
>     https://globalpartnersdigital-aae.my.webex.com/globalpartnersdigital-aae.my/j.php?MTID=m83d95e9858c11c41a6b40091b8af3683
>
>
>      
>
>     *Join by meeting number*
>     Meeting number (access code): 163 789 5578
>     Meeting password: 8DVfYTbCk62 (83839822 from phones and video
>     systems)
>
>      
>
>     *Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)*
>     +44-20-7660-8149,,1637895578#83839822#
>     <tel:%2B44-20-7660-8149,,*01*1637895578%2383839822%23*01*> United
>     Kingdom Toll
>     Some mobile devices may ask attendees to enter a numeric password.
>      
>
>     *Join by phone*
>     +44-20-7660-8149 United Kingdom Toll
>     Global call-in numbers
>     <https://globalpartnersdigital-aae.my.webex.com/globalpartnersdigital-aae.my/globalcallin.php?MTID=m15e82ad1f7957f9a641e3b170b632a7c>
>
>
>      
>
>     *Join by video system, application or Skype for business*
>     Dial 1637895578 at webex.com
>     You can also dial 62.109.219.4 and enter your meeting number.
>
>
>     On Tue, 27 Apr 2021 at 18:03, Sheetal Kumar
>     <sheetal at gp-digital.org <mailto:sheetal at gp-digital.org>> wrote:
>
>         Dear all,
>
>         Thank you for taking the time to fill out the doodle. The
>         time/date that works for most is _*12 PM UTC on Tuesday, 04 May.
>         *_
>
>         I have therefore set up a room to meet in. Please see the
>         joining details below. Note, the timezone indicated is BST (UTC+1)
>
>         See you there!
>
>         Best
>         Sheetal.
>
>         Tuesday, 4 May 2021
>         13:00  |  (UTC+01:00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London  |  1 hr
>
>          
>
>         Join meeting
>         <https://globalpartnersdigital-aae.my.webex.com/globalpartnersdigital-aae.my/j.php?MTID=m83d95e9858c11c41a6b40091b8af3683>
>
>
>          
>         *More ways to join:*
>          
>         *Join from the meeting link*
>         https://globalpartnersdigital-aae.my.webex.com/globalpartnersdigital-aae.my/j.php?MTID=m83d95e9858c11c41a6b40091b8af3683
>
>
>          
>
>         *Join by meeting number*
>         Meeting number (access code): 163 789 5578
>         Meeting password: 8DVfYTbCk62 (83839822 from phones and video
>         systems)
>
>          
>
>         *Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)*
>         +44-20-7660-8149,,1637895578#83839822#
>         <tel:%2B44-20-7660-8149,,*01*1637895578%2383839822%23*01*>
>         United Kingdom Toll
>         Some mobile devices may ask attendees to enter a numeric
>         password.
>          
>
>         *Join by phone*
>         +44-20-7660-8149 United Kingdom Toll
>         Global call-in numbers
>         <https://globalpartnersdigital-aae.my.webex.com/globalpartnersdigital-aae.my/globalcallin.php?MTID=m15e82ad1f7957f9a641e3b170b632a7c>
>
>
>          
>
>         *Join by video system, application or Skype for business*
>         Dial 1637895578 at webex.com
>         You can also dial 62.109.219.4 and enter your meeting number.
>
>          
>
>
>         On Mon, 26 Apr 2021 at 14:51, Bruna Martins dos Santos
>         <bruna.mrtns at gmail.com <mailto:bruna.mrtns at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
>             Hey all, 
>
>             Hope this email finds you well and safe! 
>
>             This is another reminder about our doodle for
>             the/ Overview of the UN's Digital Cooperation Roadmap &
>             relevant CS
>             efforts/ Meeting: https://doodle.com/poll/hxvk5ribmq4sxk78
>
>             So far May 4th is the winning date, but we will close this
>             doodle tomorrow COB, so please register your interest and
>             availability! 
>
>             Best, 
>             Bruna and Sheetal 
>
>             On Wed, Apr 21, 2021 at 1:44 PM Sheetal Kumar
>             <sheetal at gp-digital.org <mailto:sheetal at gp-digital.org>>
>             wrote:
>
>                 Dear all,
>
>                 We've had a few responses to the doodle, which is
>                 great to see!
>
>                 This is just a gentle reminder to register your
>                 interest & availability for an overview of the UN's
>                 Digital Cooperation Roadmap & relevant CS efforts so
>                 far by filling out the doodle here:
>                 https://doodle.com/poll/hxvk5ribmq4sxk78
>
>
>                 Best
>                 Sheetal.
>
>                 On Fri, 16 Apr 2021 at 12:52, Sheetal Kumar
>                 <sheetal at gp-digital.org
>                 <mailto:sheetal at gp-digital.org>> wrote:
>
>                     Dear all,
>
>                     There have been interesting exchanges on this list
>                     regarding the UNSG's Roadmap on digital
>                     cooperation, and in particular the proposal for a
>                     IGF + and a new 'high level multistakeholder
>                     advisory group' or MHLB.
>
>                     Bruna and I thought it might be helpful for those
>                     less acquainted with the discussions and with
>                     civil society engagement so far to have an
>                     overview of how civil society has contributed so
>                     far to these discussions and what their current
>                     status is.
>
>                     We'd be happy to dedicate an hour or so in the
>                     coming weeks to catch people up with what's been
>                     happening and answer any questions you may have,
>                     as well as provide a space for reflection on the
>                     discussions so far.
>
>                     For timezone purposes we suggest holding the call
>                     at 1 PM UTC. Please fill out this doodle with some
>                     proposed dates in May:
>                     https://doodle.com/poll/hxvk5ribmq4sxk78
>
>                     Best
>                     Sheetal & Bruna
>
>
>                     UN Digital Cooperation Process
>
>                      *
>                      *
>
>                         Road map for digital cooperation:
>                         implementation of the recommendations of the
>                         High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation
>                         <https://undocs.org/A/74/821>
>
>                      *
>
>                         DiploFoundation summary of the Roadmap on
>                         Digital Cooperation
>                         <https://www.diplomacy.edu/blog/digital-roadmap-realistic-acceleration-digital-cooperation>
>
>
>                     IGF and Mechanisms for Global Digital Cooperation
>
>                      *
>
>                         "Recommendation 5A/BOptions for the Future of
>                         Global Digital Cooperation" Paper.
>                         <https://www.global-cooperation.digital/GCD/Redaktion/EN/Downloads/options-for-the-future-of-global-digital-cooperation.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2>
>
>                      *
>
>                         MAG WG on Strengthening the IGF paper
>                         <https://www.intgovforum.org/multilingual/filedepot_download/10447/2267>
>
>
>                     Civil Society Statements, positions and inputs
>
>                      *
>
>                         Just Net Coalition Statement - More than 170
>                         Civil Society Groups Worldwide Oppose Plans
>                         for a Big Tech Dominated Body for Global
>                         Digital Governance
>                         <https://justnetcoalition.org/big-tech-governing-big-tech.pdf>,
>                         2021. 
>
>                      *
>
>                         Letter of intent for engagement with the UN
>                         SG's Digital Cooperation efforts
>                         <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maUtIXBF3K74eeN4DSXAFWlggcKguiwhNcrNh0uy-jE/edit>,
>                         October 2020; 
>
>                      *
>
>                         IGF - Civil Society Joint Statement for Main
>                         Session on Digital Cooperation
>                         <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SH5UB-wi5KRTyF5ZLiPfe06a4DKk2SZTL0DNfwiL_Pc/edit>,
>                         November 2020;
>
>                      *
>
>                         The UN HLP on Digital Cooperation: Top-down
>                         Calls for More Cooperation
>                         <https://www.internetgovernance.org/2019/06/25/the-un-hlp-on-digital-cooperation-top-down-calls-for-more-cooperation/>,
>                         Internet Governance Project Blog Post 
>
>                      *
>
>                         Open letter on the interpretation of paragraph
>                         93(a) of the UN Secretary-General's Roadmap on
>                         Digital Cooperation
>                         <https://www.apc.org/en/pubs/open-letter-interpretation-paragraph-93a-un-secretary-generals-roadmap-digital-cooperation>
>
>                      *
>
>                         Non-State Actors’ Position Paper on the
>                         appointment of the UN Tech Envoy  
>                         <https://www.apc.org/sites/default/files/Non-State_Stakeholders_Position_paper_on_UN_Tech_Envoy_.pdf>
>
>                       * Civil Society Initial Feedback "Developing
>                         System-Wide Guidance on Human Rights Due
>                         Diligence for Technology Concept Note."
>                         <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CIA546HakwZTACOCUWz0zybZdhTvghLQznNKW91lPOE/edit>
>
>
>                     Engagements 
>
>                      *
>
>                         IGF High-Level session on Digital Cooperation
>
>
>                     -- 
>                     *
>                     *
>                     *Sheetal Kumar*
>                     Senior Programme Lead | GLOBAL PARTNERS DIGITAL
>                     T: +44 (0)20 3 818 3258| Time zone: UTC | M: +44
>                     (0)7739569514  |
>                     PGP ID: E592EFBBEAB1CF31  | PGP Fingerprint: F5D5
>                     114D 173B E9E2 0603 DD7F E592 EFBB EAB1 CF31|
>
>
>
>
>
>                 -- 
>                 *
>                 *
>                 *Sheetal Kumar*
>                 Senior Programme Lead | GLOBAL PARTNERS DIGITAL
>                 T: +44 (0)20 3 818 3258| Time zone: UTC | M: +44
>                 (0)7739569514  |
>                 PGP ID: E592EFBBEAB1CF31  | PGP Fingerprint: F5D5 114D
>                 173B E9E2 0603 DD7F E592 EFBB EAB1 CF31|
>
>
>
>
>
>             -- 
>             */Bruna Martins dos Santos 
>             /*
>
>             Advocacy Coordinator | Data Privacy Brazil Research
>             <https://www.dataprivacybr.org/en/>
>
>             Member | Coalizão Direitos na Rede
>             <https://direitosnarede.org.br/>             Chair | Non-Commercial Stakeholder Group at ICANN
>             <https://gnso.icann.org/en/about/stakeholders-constituencies/ncsg>
>             Co-Coordinator | Internet Governance Caucus 
>             <https://igcaucus.org/>
>
>             Twitter: @boomartins
>             <https://twitter.com/boomartins> // Skype: bruna.martinsantos
>             bruna at dataprivacybr.org
>             <mailto:bruna at dataprivacybr.org> and bruna.mrtns at gmail.com
>             <mailto:bruna.mrtns at gmail.com>
>
>
>
>         -- 
>         *
>         *
>         *Sheetal Kumar*
>         Senior Programme Lead | GLOBAL PARTNERS DIGITAL
>         T: +44 (0)20 3 818 3258| Time zone: UTC | M: +44 (0)7739569514  |
>         PGP ID: E592EFBBEAB1CF31  | PGP Fingerprint: F5D5 114D 173B
>         E9E2 0603 DD7F E592 EFBB EAB1 CF31|
>
>
>
>
>
>     -- 
>     *
>     *
>     *Sheetal Kumar*
>     Senior Programme Lead | GLOBAL PARTNERS DIGITAL
>     T: +44 (0)20 3 818 3258| Time zone: UTC | M: +44 (0)7739569514  |
>     PGP ID: E592EFBBEAB1CF31  | PGP Fingerprint: F5D5 114D 173B E9E2
>     0603 DD7F E592 EFBB EAB1 CF31|
>
>
>
>
>
> -- 
> *
> *
> *Sheetal Kumar*
> Senior Programme Lead | GLOBAL PARTNERS DIGITAL
> T: +44 (0)20 3 818 3258| Time zone: UTC | M: +44 (0)7739569514  |
> PGP ID: E592EFBBEAB1CF31  | PGP Fingerprint: F5D5 114D 173B E9E2 0603
> DD7F E592 EFBB EAB1 CF31|
>
>
>
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.igcaucus.org/pipermail/governance/attachments/20210511/57504682/attachment.htm>


More information about the Governance mailing list